The Leaders of the Pack...

There is no better example of selfless love than my parents. They have made me the person that I am. Both my mother and my father pursue God with their hearts and heads and life. They taught me to lay down my wants to meet everyone else’s needs, as best I can. The way they love each other is forgiving and understanding, while being honest and challenging. I have learned so much from them over the years and continue to learn more everyday – from a distance and when I have the honor of being in their presence.

They have taught me every fruit of the spirit in different ways – love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Giving beyond measure, stretching to the point of exhaustion, and doing whatever it takes to ensure those you love are safe and fed are things they have instilled deeply in my soul. They are the leaders of our family and they take the time to really understand each of us. I am constantly amazed by the way they love us individually and treat us as separate unique adults. They have taught us about raising children and about sacrificing all we have for those children. It is truly amazing to really comprehend what they have done for all five siblings.

Mom and Dad, Thank you. Thank you for selflessly loving me. Thank you for always giving me the benefit of the doubt. Thank you for understanding that I need to be here now, and that this is what God has for me at this point in my life. Thank you for teaching me by example and for exercising patience with me during my adolescence. Thank you for loving each other so me and the rest of the siblings would have an example of marriage that lasted through thick and thin.

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